The founder and head pastor of The Makers House Chapel International, Dr. Michael Boadi Nyamekye, has urged the government to implement alternative solutions if it aims to effectively ban illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

In an interview with Starr FM on Thursday, October 3, Dr. Nyamekye highlighted the complex factors driving Ghanaian youth into the galamsey industry, including the lack of job opportunities.

He emphasised that many young people are resorting to illegal mining due to economic hardships and limited access to legitimate employment.

Dr. Nyamekye argued that without addressing the root causes of unemployment, efforts to eliminate galamsey will be futile.

He believes that merely enforcing a ban is insufficient without providing viable alternatives for the youth.

The pastor called for a focused approach to job creation, urging the government to prioritize initiatives that will empower young Ghanaians and offer them sustainable livelihood options.

By creating more job opportunities, Dr. Nyamekye contends that the government can deter young people from engaging in illegal mining and its associated environmental degradation.

“We have to find out why there is artisanal galamsey which means you gather them and sell. People are into that because it brings them their livelihood. If you want to stop galamsey there should be alternative solutions."

“So as long we are not creating those jobs and the cost of capital is high, a young man might have dreamed of doing something and borrowed for 36% per annum in interest. Then the person let me get into the bush, get money from the bush, and start my business”, Dr. Nyamekye stated.